If You’ve Been Forgiven

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Once you manage to realize the enormity of your sin, you can realize what a huge task it is to remove that sin! And if that’s where you are this morning, praise God! The fact that God will forgive you from the very worst of lives is just an even bigger reason for you to be amazed at His love!

Why do you suppose Jesus wants His followers to gather together on a regular basis and remember His death for us? It’s not to make us squirm and grovel in our sins. Yes, it’s to remind us of how huge our sin problem was, but it’s also to remind us that God’s grace is even bigger! When you put those 2 things together, meeting around the Lord’s table becomes an awesome appointment with God that you wouldn’t miss!

Satan wants you to remember your sin and then feel dirty and hopeless. He wants you to say, “Oh, well, I’ve blown it so bad, what does it matter now?” But God wants you to realize just as much the enormity of His compassion for you. Then, there’s another step…

III. You Should Realize the Smallness of Sins Against You

Let’s go back to 1st century Roman currency. This man, who was forgiven a debt equal to 60 mil. days’ wages, has someone who owes him money too.

Matthew 18:28-30

But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.

100 denarii – remember, that’s 100 days’ wages. This guy, who was just forgiven 60 mil. days’ wages has, by the throat, a guy who owes him an amount that’s 600,000 times less!

Look at the words he uses: “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.” Deja vu! The words are the same ones the other servant had used.

Jesus gives 2 big contrasts in this story:

One is the size of one debt compared to the other. There’s no comparison. 600,000:1

The other contrast is the reaction of the lenders: one shows enormous compassion. The other shows none. The first servant has lost the perspective that forgiveness should have given him.

Perspective is important here.

The earth seems really big when you’re hiking up a mountain. But look at the earth next to the sun, and it doesn’t look so big. Maybe you’re facing some physical ailment, but if you go visit someone who’s bedfast and hurting, your wart doesn’t seem as big!

The same thing happens when we’re careful to keep our own mess-ups in perspective. If I can just manage to remember the enormity of what God has forgiven me, I have a better perspective of the smallness of how others have wronged me.